Letter follows illegal resolution, passed by the Board, ending bussing for dozens of students

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) has sent a letter to the Worthington City Schools Board demanding they reverse their unlawful resolution cutting off dozens of students from accessing school buses.

Earlier this month, Worthington Public Schools Board passed a resolution declaring it “impractical” to continue to bus 43 students to nearby Central Ohio private schools. However, Ohio law explicitly requires the district to treat private school students “equitably” in relation to public school students regarding transportation. If the public school is going to deem transportation impractical, they must provide notice of impracticality before the school year begins.

OCEN, a network of more than 100 Christian schools led by Center for Christian Virtue, sent the letter reminding the school district of their legal obligations, and informing the school district that legal action may be taken if the school does not reverse course.

“Ohio students and families have endured so many challenges over the last 18 months. Not only is this action illegal by Worthington public, it’s also heartless,” said Troy McIntosh, Executive Director of the Ohio Christian Education Network. “To cut families off from bussing in the middle of the school year, right as the weather is about to turn for the worse, is unconscionable. The district must immediately repeal the resolution.”

Read the letter from OCEN’s Attorney and Assistant Director Corrinne Vidales.

Along with requiring equitable treatment for private school students, Ohio law requires that public school districts bus private school students, and if bussing them is determined to be impractical, districts must make a payment in lieu to the parents or go through a state mediation process. A determination of impracticality must be made 30 days prior to the start of the school year.

Many schools and families impacted by the district’s actions in this case were unaware of the resolution when OCEN reached out and offered to advocate for their students.

OCEN has successfully challenged other attempts to deny children access to their education. Late last year, OCEN won a case in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals when the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department closed private schools in December 2020, while leaving casinos and other public accommodations open.

For more information, contact OCEN at ocen@ccv.org or 513.733.5775.

The Ohio Christian Education Network, a network of Center for Christian Virtue, advocates for school choice and religious freedom in education, and equips Catholic and Evangelical schools to promote a biblical worldview. For more information, visit ccv.org/OCEN.

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